Why did you choose this program?
It was quite easy for me to chose TEFL Heaven as my program. I did a lot of research before deciding which program to go through and TEFL Heaven was always the most responsive and helpful on top of seeming to be the most organized. Their website made it easy to research their different locations and compare prices.
I chose their Buenos Aires program for several reasons. I made a list of all the things I wanted out of a new place or city to live in and Buenos Aires came the closest to checking off each of those things. TEFL Heaven connected me with Ibero TEFL where I had an amazing learning experience. I am very happy to be here and looking forward to getting to know this incredible city even more.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
My program provider assisted me in pretty much everything I needed before arriving to Buenos Aires. I found and booked my housing on my own but there was the option for them to help me with that. They did a great job of preparing me for the trip without being overbearing or making me feel as though I had no control over what I was deciding to do or not do.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Of course this depends a lot on where you are going and why. A TEFL experience in South America will be much different than an Au Pair experience in Germany. Whatever the place or reason, though, I will always say "do it!".
If you are thinking of going abroad then you have already taken the first step. I think it is important to remember, though, that traveling presents you with many challenges.
Yes, it is amazing and fun and adventurous, but traveling can also be very tough and it is important to be prepared beforehand and vigilant during your time abroad.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
During my TEFL course in Buenos Aires my days were something like this:
Wake up, get ready, and make myself a quick breakfast. Head out into the big city and walk my way to class. Once I get there, make myself a coffee and grab a couple of the daily complimentary cookies. I was usually the first to arrive so I would wait for my classmates/friends and we would begin class. We had our lunch break half way through and we would all walk together to grab a quick lunch before heading back to the classroom.
During the last couple of weeks, we had observations and teaching practices. After class we were usually able to go with one another to the institute where we would either watch an English class and write down our observations or we would be prepared to teach a class that we were assigned. This would last a couple hours and afterwards we would head to our prospective homes.
Dinner, homework, lesson plan, sleep, and repeat! Our course was 4 weeks long and it went by incredibly fast. Careful not to blink!
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?
One of my biggest fears moving to Buenos Aires was that I would not make any friends. I knew it was a silly fear because I am a very friendly person and get along with most everyone. Still, I was so scared that I would be thousands of miles from home and no one would like me.
I had to push this thought out of my head because deep down I knew that wouldn't happen. I made friends easily and am still making friends. Of course, you have to get yourself out there. In Buenos Aires there are constantly events and socials for international people (surprise, just like you!) that want to get out and meet new people and make new friends.
What should prospective travelers expect from a trip or program to Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Nothing! Keep your mind open and free of expectations. If you are traveling to Buenos Aires or anywhere in the world that you have not been before - do not have expectations. Or at least not too many. It can be difficult to plan for a trip without having expectations but you will either be disappointed or you will be right (boring). The best times I have had traveling have been when I did not know what to expect.